Prepare For Take-off
Long-haul flights can be exhilarating when you're heading to a dream destination, but they can also be exhausting if you're not prepared. Whether you're jetting off for an adventure or a family getaway, a little planning goes a long way in making your flight as comfortable as possible. Here’s what to pack and do before boarding that extra-long flight! Most of this makes ANY flight better.
Essential Items to Pack
Comfort Kit: Bring a travel pillow, eye mask, noise-canceling headphones, and a cozy wrap or blanket. Airline pillows and blankets are mostly reserved for premium cabins now, or the economy can barely be called comforting.
Hydration Helpers: The dry cabin air can wreak havoc on your skin and body. Pack a refillable water bottle, facial mist, lip balm, and moisturizer to keep yourself hydrated inside and out. Make sure to consume water. My daily rule was, a liter of water for hour in the air. You would think that’s a lot, but you dehydrate! I never travel without a face mist. It just makes you feel better..
Healthy Snacks: Airline food can be hit or miss, and sometimes you just need a little something between meals. Protein bars, nuts, dried fruit, and even a small sandwich can keep hunger at bay without relying on airplane meals. #PACKTHESNACK and bypass the expensive airport food… unless you are in a lounge that offers free food and snacks!
Entertainment Arsenal: Load up your tablet, Kindle, or phone with movies, shows, audiobooks, or podcasts. Don’t rely on in-flight entertainment—sometimes it’s broken, outdated, or just plain boring. I find it difficult sometimes to read online, so I resort to podcasts.
Chargers & Power Bank: Outlets may not always be available, so a fully charged power bank ensures your devices stay powered up.
Personal Care Essentials: Bring travel-size toothpaste, a toothbrush, deodorant, face wipes, and a change of clothes (just in case of spills or lost luggage). Flight attendants put on landing lips, you can freshen yours up too. consider a disposable tooth brush from the travel sextion
Compression Socks & Medications: Sitting for long hours can lead to swelling or discomfort. Compression socks help circulation, and if you take any medication, make sure you have enough in your carry-on.
Pre-Flight Prep Checklist
✔️ Choose the Right Seat: If possible, select a seat that suits your preference—window for sleeping, aisle for easy access to move around. Avoid seats near the lavatories for peace and quiet. There are even websites like SeatGuru that can offer help.
✔️ Dress Comfortably: Layers are your best friend! Airplane cabins fluctuate in temperature, so wear breathable fabrics and comfortable shoes. Let’s say it together, “Pajamas are not for flying!”
✔️ Download Essential Apps: Have your airline’s app for real-time updates, plus maps of your destination’s airport if you have a layover.
✔️ Adjust Your Body Clock: Start shifting your sleep schedule a day or two before the flight to align with your destination’s time zone.
✔️ Eat Smart Before Boarding: Avoid heavy, greasy foods that can make you feel sluggish. Opt for something light and protein-packed to keep your energy up.
✔️ Stretch & Move: Get in a little exercise before your flight to loosen up. Once on board, stretch and walk around periodically to prevent stiffness.
✔️ A Snack For The Crew: If you want to make their day, and most of the time it will benefit you… drinks, extra snacks…etc. I always take a bag of candy on for the crew. They will LOVE YOU!
What’s your go-to item for surviving a long-haul flight? Let me know in the comments!
#LuxuryTravel #TravelSmart #MayfieldAndCoTravel #LongHaulFlight
